WATCH THIS Empire Reigns on FOX

Divas, tonight is the start of a new reign on TV — that of Empire, premiering tonight on FOX.

The DivaGals got a sneak peek of the new series last fall, and we can attest, Fox’s new dramatic series about powerful mogul Luscious Lyon (played by Terrence Howard) who must choose which of his three sons will become heir apparent to his music monarchy is supa good dramah!

These three fine brothers all have their strengths and weaknesses: eldest son Andre (Trai Byers) is the most versed about the business side of the family empire, but doesn’t really know the music scene. Youngest son Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) is already a rap star that would definitely bolster the face of the brand, but his party days are far from over (and how can you lead a business like that?). And then there’s middle son Jamal (Jussie Smollett). He’s a musician with brains, but his father can not accept his son’s sexual identity.

There’s another reason why Empire is gonna hit all the right notes, and her name is Taraji P. Henson.

Taraji stars as Cookie Lyon, who’s been incarcerated for 17 years on drug charges — she took that on to help hubby get the family business off the ground. Now she’s out of prison, and she wants what’s rightfully hers: half of everything. This Cookie is tough – she’s not afraid to slap a son silly when he gets out of line – or save one in what may be the most heart-wrenching scene I’ve seen on TV in a long time.

Coming from the world of Lee Daniels who gave us Precious and The Butler, this new series is intelligent, thrilling, superbly acted and full of hot new beats from Timbaland and crew. If there’s one Empire that needs to rise to the top, this is it.